Hi, I'm Oz Noy and welcome to Essentials: Funk Rhythm. Funk guitar is rooted in rhythm, packed with concepts like groove, playing in the pocket, and interacting with other musicians. In this edition of Essentials, we'll jump right in to the playing with 11 funk pieces in a variety of keys and feels. We'll start with a fundamental rhythm incorporating funk chordal runs. Next, we'll cover a repetition based rhythm part, then I'll show you how smaller chords can really help emphasize a groove. We'll go over some right hand techniques and really start to drive our rhythms. Then, we'll work on a funky approach using 7/6 chords, work on a wah-wah inspired guitar groove, and look at voice leading. Incorporating rhythm guitar grooves with other instruments is another key approach, so we'll focus on how the guitar interacts with the drums and bass. Finally, we'll use muting to enhance a funky rhythm part. I'll perform every piece and break it down for you, pointing out every technique you need to know.

Blues Rock is one of the most guitar-centric styles of music that you can play. It has it’s roots in the blues but it’s been amped up with a more aggressive and riff-driven approach cultivated by players like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, Hendrix and so many other giants of that era.

Blues Rock is one of the most guitar-centric styles of music that you can play. It has it’s roots in the blues but it’s been amped up with a more aggressive and riff-driven approach cultivated by players like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, Hendrix and so many other giants of that era.

Blues Rock is one of the most guitar-centric styles of music that you can play. It has it’s roots in the blues but it’s been amped up with a more aggressive and riff-driven approach cultivated by players like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, Hendrix and so many other giants of that era.

Chord melody is not only a requisite skill for jazz guitarists, it’s also some of the most gratifying and enjoyable music that you can make all by yourself with your favorite instrument. Taking full advantage of the polyphonic qualities of guitar by playing both rhythm and melody simultaneously, and keeping it all in the groove, is certainly challenging but the learning curve flattens dramatically once you develop the foundational skills. Frank Vignola’s Essentials: Chord Melody Etudes will get you up and running quickly, with a series of etudes designed to impart the essential skill set. “In this edition of Essentials: Chord Melody Etudes, my goal is to give you a foundation to build on with eight chord melody etudes covering a range of keys and approaches.